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Haloperidol for Pain Management: A Narrative Review
Carlos J Roldan1,2, Jonathan W Rowland3, Alice L Ye1
1Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Texas Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Haloperidol shows efficacy for gastroparesis and migraine pain, and may reduce opioid use. Its side effect profile is excellent, but more research is needed for pain management applications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
- Clinical Effectiveness
Background:
- Haloperidol, an antipsychotic, has long been investigated for pain management.
- Its use in pain is controversial due to limited robust data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on haloperidol for pain management.
- To summarize its pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and dosing.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search.
- Narrative review of existing studies.
Main Results:
- Haloperidol demonstrates efficacy for gastroparesis and migraine pain.
- It shows promise in reducing opioid use in chronic pain and palliative care.
- Excellent safety profile with minimal sedation and extrapyramidal side effects.
Conclusions:
- Haloperidol is effective for specific pain conditions and opioid reduction.
- High-quality prospective studies are required to define its role in routine pain management.
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